Florence, S.C. Plans Major Renovations for Historic Carolina Theatre

Florence, S.C. Gears Up for Exciting Renovations at Carolina Theatre

Florence, South Carolina, is buzzing with excitement as officials prepare to breathe new life into the historic Carolina Theatre. Nestled in the heart of downtown Florence on Dargan Street, this cherished building has been a part of the community since its conception around 1925, originally situated on what used to be a barn.

A Blast from the Past

The Carolina Theatre holds a special place in the hearts of many locals. It was initially renovated in the 1940s, but after a significant pause during recent years, the city has launched an ambitious plan to modernize it while preserving its storied past. “While this historic building that was such a staple and ingrained in the fabric of downtown kind of hit pause, we can work on this renovation and get it back to life and contributing to our district,” said assistant city manager Clint Moore.

Repairing the Damage

This renovation won’t be just a fresh coat of paint; it’s a comprehensive makeover! Back in January, officials signed a contract to allocate $500,000 for essential repairs. This included a new roof and ceiling, as well as extensive work on water damage from Hurricane Florence. Thanks to a $270,000 state historic preservation grant, the team has been able to carefully restore some of the theatre’s original architectural elements.

Restoring Historic Charm

Moore shared, “We’re able to put back the ceiling as it was, prior to all the water damage. It had a very interesting scalloped-tier ceiling to it, and so it’s exciting to put those elements back and really pay homage to what the building was.” It’s heartening to see such dedication to maintaining the theatre’s historic charm while integrating the necessities of modern performance spaces.

Planning for the Future

In a move that highlights Florence’s commitment to revitalization, officials took out a $2 million bond in 2018 to fund this project. This year, they received matching funds from the state budget, which will enable them to move forward with the second phase of work. This phase includes plans to create a three-tiered floor, expanding the stage, adding new lighting and speakers, and ultimately transforming the theatre into a venue for various community events.

Community Focused

The renovated theatre is set to serve as a versatile space for everything from state-level conferences to concerts and weddings. “Folks have weddings or, a lot of times, you hear alumni associations hosting… They’re in the NCAA tournament, [so] they host an alumni event and watch the game,” Moore noted. This highlights the theatre’s potential to cater to a wide range of community needs and events.

Bridging the Old and the New

As Moore aptly put it, “This is a building that helps us create that sense of place downtown and really drives that molding of the two worlds, where you have all the historic elements and what people think of as your historic downtown, and then all the modern amenities that we have.” It’s all about blending the rich history of Florence with the modern demands of today’s audiences.

What’s Next?

The construction is expected to take around 12 months, so it won’t be long before the curtains rise again at the Carolina Theatre. The blend of history and modernity taking shape promises to create an inviting space for locals and visitors alike, ensuring that this beloved staple of downtown Florence continues to thrive for generations to come.